The Natural Revolution
Tallow Body Butter with Manuka Honey
BY: Elisha PUBLISHED: 10 Dec ’24 UPDATED: 11 Dec’24
Welcome back, lovely readers! If you’ve been following my journey, you might have stumbled upon My Golden Serum Lip Gloss, where I explored the magical world of clean beauty and the importance of ditching those toxic products lurking in our beauty cabinets. Today, I’m thrilled to take you a step further on this luscious path to self-care with a delightful recipe for Tallow Body Butter with Manuka Honey.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Tallow? Isn’t that from the meat industry?” Well, fear not! We’re not here to judge anyone’s eating habits. Instead, we’re diving deep into the nourishing properties of tallow and how this ancient ingredient can revitalize your skincare routine. So, grab your favorite apron, and let’s whip up something spectacular together!
Why Go Natural?
In a world filled with synthetic chemicals and misleading labels, the desire to embrace a more natural lifestyle has never been stronger. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the hidden toxins in our everyday products, and let me tell you, it’s like peeling back the layers of an onion—except instead of tears, you’ll be met with enlightenment (and maybe a bit of laughter as you recall all those “miracle” creams you’ve wasted your hard-earned cash on).
Did you know that the average American woman uses over 12 personal care products daily? And with that, she’s exposing her skin to around 168 different chemicals? Yikes! These chemicals can lead to hormone disruption, inflammatory responses in our bodies, and a myriad of other health issues. It’s time to put a stop to that!
By crafting your own beauty products, you gain complete control over what goes on your skin. No more cryptic ingredients you can’t pronounce—just pure goodness that will nourish your body inside and out.
The Power of Tallow
Let’s talk about tallow. Yes, it’s a bit unconventional in today’s world of serums and creams, but tallow has been used for centuries—long before the beauty industry became a multibillion-dollar empire. Grass-fed tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it a powerhouse for skin health. It mimics the natural oils our skin produces, allowing it to be absorbed easily without clogging pores. Think of it as a warm hug for your skin!
But wait, it gets better. Tallow contains essential fatty acids that help to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it a perfect ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin. So, whether you’re battling winter dryness or just need a little extra hydration, this body butter is your new best friend.
The Sweet Magic of Manuka Honey
Now, let’s not forget our delightful companion: New Zealand Honey Co. MGO 1450+ / UMF 28+ Manuka Honey. This isn’t just any honey; it’s the Beyoncé of the honey world! Renowned for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Manuka honey can work wonders for your skin. It soothes, heals, and hydrates, making it an essential ingredient in our tallow body butter.
The real kicker? When combined with tallow, you create a luxurious blend that promotes skin regeneration and protects against environmental stressors. It’s like a protective shield, wrapping your skin in a cocoon of health. Plus, it smells divine! Trust me; your senses will thank you.
Let’s Get Crafty!
Now that we’ve established the benefits, let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the recipe for our Tallow Body Butter avec Manuka Honey.
Tallow Body Butter with Manuka Honey
Tap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 100 g gramsgrass-fed tallow For a recipe calling for 100 grams of tallow, I increase the amount by approximately25%, so I used 125 grams to end up with 100 grams.
- 5 g rosehip oil
- 5 g jojoba oil
- 5 g castor oil
- 20 g New Zealand Honey Co. MGO 1450+ /UMF 28+ Manuka Honey
- 10-15 drops rose essential oil or any quality essential oil scent you prefer, adjust amount based on scent preference
Instructions
- Melt the Tallow: In a double boiler, gently melt the tallow until fully liquid. This is where the magic begins!
- Strain the Tallow: After melting, strain 100 grams of the tallow into your mixing bowl using a muslin cloth. This will catch and remove any renderings, ensuring a smooth, clean base for your body butter.
- Add the remaining Oils: Once the tallow is in your mixing bowl and has cooled to under 140 degrees, stir in the rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil. Mix thoroughly using the whip attachment on your mixer at medium speed. Pro tip: Feel free to dance a little as you stir—who says kitchen magic can’t be fun?
- Cooling the Oils: Allow the mixture to cool to below 30°C (86°F) as you whip it, this will ensure you retain the honey’s enzymes and MGO. For extra safety, aim to let the oils cool slightly below this point before incorporating the honey. I like to use a candy thermometer on the side of my mixing bowl to monitor the temperature.
- Incorporate Manuka Honey: Once cooled to below 30°C (86°F), add the New Zealand Honey Co. MGO 1450+ / UMF 28+Manuka Honey and continue to whip at medium speed.
- Add Rose Essential Oil: While whipping at medium speed, add 10-15 drops of rose essential oil (or your preferred essential oil) and mix well.
- Whip the Lotion: Periodically check the consistency by pushing the butter down on the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are being whipped evenly. Continue whipping on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5-8 minutes). Get ready for some serious whipped goodness!
Notes
Why Glass is Your Best Friend
When it comes to storing your beautiful body butter, I highly recommend using glass containers. Why, you ask? Because plastic can leach forever chemicals into your body, disrupting hormones and wreaking havoc on your health. Glass is a natural, non-reactive material that preserves the integrity of your products without introducing harmful substances.
If you’re looking for some stylish glass containers, check these out on Amazon:
- [Insert link to recommended glass container here]
- [Insert link to another recommended glass container here]
Apply your body butter liberally, and watch your skin drink in the goodness. Use it after a shower to lock in moisture, or whenever your skin feels a bit parched. The scent will transport you to a serene garden, and your skin will feel like it just got a spa treatment.
Impact of Daily Use
Daily application of this whipped tallow body lotion will deeply hydrate your skin, providing lasting moisture, reducing dryness, and soothing irritation. The powerful combination of tallow, castor oil, and jojoba oil ensures that your skin stays nourished and balanced.
The high-grade Manuka honey enhances the lotion with potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, making it especially beneficial for those with sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin. The antioxidants from rosehip oil and rose essential oil help protect the skin from environmental stress and promote a radiant, youthful appearance.
Connect with Your Health
Crafting your own beauty products isn’t just a trend; it’s a revolution. By embracing natural ingredients, you’re not only eliminating toxins from your life but also reconnecting with the earth and your body. It’s about taking control and saying goodbye to those chemically-laden products that promise the world but deliver disappointment, hormone disruption, and inflammatory responses that our bodies just don’t need.
Imagine the joy of sharing your homemade tallow body butter with friends and family. You’ll be the queen (or king) of clean beauty, inspiring others to ditch the toxins and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Plus, you’ll have an incredible story to tell at parties—because who doesn’t want to hear about your tallow adventures?
Shelf Life Considerations
Since the product contains raw honey and natural oils, it is recommended to store the lotion in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life. The oils in the lotion are stable, but natural products may oxidize over time.
If stored properly, this whipped body lotion can last around 6-12 months. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat, as they may affect the consistency and potency of the ingredients. Always check for changes in smell or texture as an indication of spoilage.
If You’re Short on Time…
Now, I get it—not everyone has the time or energy to whip up their own beauty products (hey, life gets busy!). If that’s the case, don’t fret! Here are two suppliers I recommend for purchasing high-quality tallow body butter. Because sometimes, we all need a little help from our friends!
- In the US: [Insert recommended supplier name here]
- In Europe: [Insert recommended supplier name here]
So, whether you’re crafting your own body butter or snagging it from a reputable supplier, remember that you’re making choices that nourish your body. After all, it’s not just about what we put on our skin, but what we put into our lives.
In The End…
As we wrap up this little journey into the world of tallow and Manuka honey, I encourage you to take this leap of faith. Try making your own Tallow Body Butter avec Manuka Honey, and revel in the joy of crafting something truly unique and beneficial for your body.
And remember, you’re not just making a body butter; you’re creating a lifestyle—one free of toxins, filled with nourishment, and bursting with self-love. So let’s keep the revolution rolling, one product at a time! Until next time, my beautiful friends—stay healthy, happy, and fabulous!
Bisous, Bisous,
The Frenched Persian-American 🤗
P.S. Myth Buster: Metal and Manuka Honey or ANY Honey for that Matter!
Ah, the age-old debate—does metal ruin the magic of honey? Let’s set the record straight with a sprinkle of science!
Many people believe that using metal utensils or containers with honey will degrade its quality and diminish its health benefits. But here’s the scoop: this is nothing more than a myth!
The Science Behind It
- Chemical Stability: Manuka honey contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including MGO (methylglyoxal), hydrogen peroxide, and a range of antioxidants. Research has shown that these compounds are quite stable and do not react adversely with metal. Studies indicate that metals like stainless steel do not chemically react with the components of honey, meaning that stirring or storing honey in metal containers won’t degrade its unique properties.
- Antioxidant Levels: A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrated that honey retains its antioxidant capacity even after exposure to various conditions, including temperature changes and contact with metals. The research confirms that the antioxidant levels remain largely unaffected when using metal utensils, ensuring that you still benefit from those health-boosting properties.
- Preservation of Antibacterial Activity: Manuka honey is celebrated for its potent antibacterial properties, attributed mainly to MGO. Research has indicated that this compound remains effective in various environments, including metal containers. A study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney found that Manuka honey retains its antibacterial activity against harmful bacteria, regardless of the type of utensil used.
- Long-Term Storage: For those concerned about long-term storage, a study in Food Chemistry highlighted that honey stored in metal containers maintained its quality over time, with no significant loss in bioactive compounds or flavor.
So, whether you’re stirring your honey with a metal spoon or pouring it into a stainless steel container, rest assured that those magical enzymes and healing properties are still intact.
Embrace the Metal
In fact, many traditional honey enthusiasts use metal utensils without a second thought, and they still rave about their honey’s efficacy. So, embrace your metal tools without worry!
Let’s toast to enjoying our sweet Manuka honey in all its glorious forms—metal and all—because when it comes to wellness, we don’t have time for myths. Cheers to indulging in nature’s goodness, one spoonful at a time!